Optimal swine nutrition: don't feed more, but feed better

A one-size-fits-all diet for pigs can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding, producing varying results, and lost production. Instead, JD Mostert, independent swine nutritionist, advocates for a stronger focus on digestible amino acids to get the most from feed rations. Lindi Botha reports.

- Lindi Botha

Pig farmers face an increasingly difficult balancing act; feed costs remain high, performance margins are slim, and pressure is mounting to reduce antibiotic use and nitrogen emissions.

Yet, many feeding strategies still rely on broad formulas with theoretic nutritional values, not taking into account the vast variations that can occur between feed batches.

The result is varying feed conversion ratios, and pigs whose immune systems are left to falter during times of high stress.

"There is a better way to feed pigs, one that is more precise, cost-effective, and built around real, digestible nutrients, not just crude protein numbers," says independent swine nutritionist JD Mostert.

He explains that by focusing on digestible amino acids instead of crude protein, producers can reduce waste, improve gut health, and unlock stronger performance in both sows and piglets.

RETHINKING PROTEIN AT CRITICAL STAGES

Protein levels in feed are often measured in broad strokes, using industry norms rather than actual results.

Mostert notes that to get the most from pig feed, the focus should not be on crude protein. "Pigs can't digest crude protein; they need amino acids, the building blocks of muscle, milk, and tissue repair.

"So what really matters is the digestible amino acid profile - lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan. Feeding high crude protein diets without balancing these amino acids is inefficient and costly."

The shift to digestible amino acids is especially important during lactation and weaning. Lactating sows need a well-balanced amino acid profile to sustain milk production while minimising body weight loss.

Diets based on digestible amino acids have been shown to improve feed intake, reduce sow depletion, and increase piglet weaning weights. These outcomes directly affect sow longevity and herd profitability.